Health Secretary Kennedy Launching Podcast to 'Expose Lies'

New HHS-branded show aims to promote 'radical transparency' ahead of midterms

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:03pm

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring where a microphone and audio waveform are defined entirely by vibrant neon lines against a deep, dark background, emphasizing the concept of a new government health podcast.A new government podcast aims to bring 'radical transparency' to health policy debates.NYC Today

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current U.S. Health Secretary, is launching a new podcast called 'The Secretary Kennedy Podcast' that he says will begin 'a new era of radical transparency in government.' The show will feature Kennedy in conversation with doctors, scientists, and agency staff, and is being positioned as a way to expose corruption and lies that have made Americans sick.

Why it matters

The new podcast comes as the Department of Health and Human Services has faced recent setbacks, including criticism of its vaccine policy changes and resistance from Republican senators over the President's surgeon general pick. The show could be seen as part of a broader rebranding strategy as the agency shifts focus away from vaccines toward a less contentious agenda on healthy food ahead of the midterm elections.

The details

The podcast, which has been in the works since early in the second Trump administration, will launch next week. In a teaser video, Kennedy bills the show as a new way to 'name the names of the forces that obstruct the paths to public health.' HHS officials say the set was pieced together largely with items the agency already had and has the capacity for up to four people to sit in conversation together. While the teaser focuses on uncovering lies, the agency says the podcast will also aim to cover affordability and other topics salient for voters ahead of the midterms.

  • The podcast will launch next week.
  • It has been in the works since early in the second Trump administration.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Health Secretary who is launching the new podcast.

Marty Makary

The FDA Commissioner who also has a podcast.

Tyler Burger

The HHS digital communications manager and producer of the new podcast.

Liam Nahill

The HHS digital director.

Andrew Nixon

The HHS spokesman.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to name the names of the forces that obstruct the paths to public health.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health Secretary

“We're kind of bringing podcasting into the government as an official form and arm of our messaging.”

— Tyler Burger, HHS Digital Communications Manager

“This is part of our larger strategy to bring the Make America Healthy Again message to as wide an audience as we can.”

— Liam Nahill, HHS Digital Director

“Americans are united on the need to urgently address chronic disease, improve nutrition, strengthen food quality, and lower health costs. The Secretary Kennedy Podcast will cover all those issues.”

— Andrew Nixon, HHS Spokesman

What’s next

The podcast is set to launch next week, marking the start of Health Secretary Kennedy's new communication effort to promote the 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda ahead of the midterm elections.

The takeaway

The launch of the 'Secretary Kennedy Podcast' reflects the HHS's broader strategy to rebrand and refocus its messaging away from controversial vaccine policies and toward a less contentious agenda on healthy food and nutrition. The intimate, conversational format of the podcast is aimed at allowing the administration to promote its priorities without facing as much pushback as traditional media interviews.